Optimizing reproductive efficiency in the breeding herd is a key driver of farm profitability. Vaccinating the breeding herd against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Erysipelas (“PLE” vaccines) is a well-established practice in the swine industry to help achieve reproductive performance targets by protecting gilts and sows from pregnancy losses caused by these 3 organisms.

Porcine Parvovirus found in all pig producing countries. The predominant signs of Parvovirus in a herd are an increase in: fetal death, mummification, stillbirths and delayed return to estrus. The gilt or sow will not appear sick.

Leptospirosis is rarely diagnosed in Canadian conventional swine herds but can be associated with an increase in: abortions, stillbirths, repeat breeding animals, a decrease in live born pigs, and an increase in poor/weak live born pigs.

Erysipelas is found on most if not all pig farms and many pigs carry it on their tonsils without any signs of disease. Up to about 8 weeks of age, pigs are typically protected from disease due to maternal antibodies they acquired from the sow’s colostrum. A susceptible gilt or sow infected with Erysipelas will run a high fever (40 °C) and appear sick. Clinical signs can include: sudden death, off-feed, diamond skin lesions, and lameness due to joint infections. If the animal is pregnant; abortion, mummification, or return to estrus may occur.

Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Erysipelas are spread between pigs primarily by infected animals shedding the organisms in their faeces/urine/saliva and susceptible animals consuming this contaminated body waste.  These pathogens are hardy and can survive in a barn environment, increasing the likelihood of animals being infected with them.

Zoetis offers 2 breeding herd vaccines, FarrowSure® GOLD B & FarrowSure B®, to aid in the prevention of reproductive failure caused by Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Erysipelas.

FarrowSure GOLD B contains 2 adjuvants, including Amphigen®, to enhance the immune response. This allows the product to be dosed at 2 mL and has a demonstrated 18 week Duration Of Immunity (DOI) against Erysipelas. This extended immunity can be very beneficial in farms with a high level of Erysipelas challenge in their barns.

FarrowSure B is an older vaccine and contains a single adjuvant therefore it does not deliver as strong an immune response as our premium vaccine FarrowSure Gold B. As a result, FarrowSure B tends to be less reactive in herds sensitive to vaccinations in general. It is also priced competitively with PLE vaccines of similar vintage.

Producers often ask “When is the best time to revaccinate my sows with FarrowSure?” Sows are ideally revaccinated with FarrowSure GOLD B and FarrowSure B at 50-80 days of gestation. The pregnancy is well established by this time and farrowing is many weeks away. This timing provides ongoing protection without undue concern for any decreased feed intake that may occur after vaccination. Be sure to discuss vaccination timing with your herd veterinarian to best accommodate your pig flow.

Zoetis is committed to helping you and your veterinarian optimize the use of our products in your herd. If you are considering vaccinating with FarrowSure GOLD B or FarrowSure B, contact your Zoetis Territory Manager to see how we may be able to help you in conjunction with your herd veterinarian. 

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